Chapter 286: They Won’t Be Able to Follow. (1)

This is the time we wait briefly after the first test ends.

Enduring the boring time, I was blankly staring at the sky.

‘The stars aren’t out yet.’

The sun was gradually setting, but it wasn’t yet the time for stars to appear.

Watching the flow of the sky, I steadily circulate the energy within my body.

Being careful not to roughly brush against the acupoints.

I had to guide it to the upper dantian.

As I drew the energy upward.

Tuk tuk.

The wispy end of the energy, stretched thin like a thread.

Knocks on the door of the upper dantian.

It was a very shallow and weak energy.

It wouldn’t be able to break through or collapse the wall.

However, the important thing is that it finally reached.

‘After dragging on like that, it somehow managed to reach.’

Managing to make it reach meant.

That a passage had somehow been opened.

Now, all that’s left is to hone this path.

‘The problem is that it takes damnably long.’

Unlike the past, my body isn’t one where energy pours down like a waterfall.

It’s at a point where, thanks to the Old Man’s teachings, I know how important compression and control will be going forward.

By gradually adding flesh to this thin thread.

Breaking through the firmly blocked wall will require immense, arduous effort.

There might be a way to break through all at once through enlightenment.

‘…At this point, where I know what I know, there’s no way something like that would work….’

At least until the Hwa Gyeong realm, there won’t be any particular enlightenment.

If not that.

‘I’ll have to eat the White Horse Stone.’

The White Horse Stone, buried deep underground.

If I find it and swallow it, I might be able to reach it forcibly, but

I wanted to consume it only after I had fully reached the Hwa Gyeong realm.

That way, I could receive all of its energy without waste.

“Kkeueuk…”

While continuously circulating my energy.

A pained groan echoes from below.

“Can’t you be quiet?”

“…I’m trying… to be as quiet… as possible.”

“Oh, you talking back?”

Hearing that, I diverted the energy heading towards my upper dantian and put my body’s weight into it.

“Kkeok!”

Then Gu Jeolyeop, who was serving as my chair, let out a scream.

Tuduk!

And collapsed straight onto the floor.

Even as I felt that, my mouth didn’t stop.

“Seriously, why can’t you even endure this?”

“…”

Gu Jeolyeop makes a somewhat wronged expression, but

It wasn’t over yet.

“That’s why you almost failed, because you have no grit.”

“…”

Perhaps hit where it hurt, Gu Jeolyeop’s face began to rot.

He probably would.

“After all the effort I put into shaping you into a person? What? Your feet got tangled, and you almost made a mistake?”

“…Kkung…”

“Why does this bastard keep losing focus during actual combat? If you’re going to be like this, just drop your surname. I can’t even show my face around because I’m so embarrassed.”

“I’m older though…”

“Oh, really? Then please act your age, okay? Yeokhyeopgeom Daehyeop.”

“…Kkeup.”

Unable to say anything, Gu Jeolyeop bowed his head deeply.

This crazy bastard, really.

Watching from behind, I couldn’t help but get angry.

‘He almost lost control of his energy by misstepping?’

There’s only one chance to attack the pillar.

It’s okay to pour your entire technique into it.

You can settle it with a single sword strike or a single blow.

They even count that as one instance.

However.

The flow of energy around the body must not be broken.

That’s what they’re judging it by.

‘This bastard almost broke his energy flow because his footwork faltered.’

Just like during the past martial arts tournament.

When it comes to actual combat, maybe because he gets nervous, he’s always acting up.

Somehow, without retracting his energy.

It’s fortunate he managed to make at least a small scratch by swinging his sword.

“If you had fallen there, I would have hit you instead of the stone pillar.”

“…”

Gu Jeolyeop, recalling what happened to the stone pillar I hit.

Instantly turned pale as a sheet.

Even.

‘Even Gu Yeonseo passed without a hitch, you know.’

Compared to others, she didn’t stand out or show exceptional performance.

But she did pass.

I glanced over at Gu Yeonseo, who was a bit further away.

Her dazed gaze remained the same, but her outline was gradually becoming clearer.

‘It seems she wasn’t pursuing the Sword Path.’

That’s a relief.

If she pursued the Sword Queen’s Sword Path, it would be like the Gu family’s bloodline suddenly chasing Mount Hua’s sword.

I hope she only pursues the Sword Queen’s aura.

Whether that will work out, I don’t know.

‘I don’t know about the others… they probably managed fine on their own.’

Since I couldn’t move around carelessly.

It was probably the same for them.

Still, I wasn’t worried.

They were kids who would have managed fine even without me.

But.

‘What about Wi Seol-ah?’

Why is she here?

Moreover.

‘When I met Wi Seol-ah after a long time.’

I could tell she was a martial artist who had reached the peak.

Wi Seol-ah, who knew nothing of martial arts, reaching the peak in just a year or two.

That’s a terrifying level of talent.

And.

‘Is this also unavoidable?’

The flow of Wi Seol-ah eventually taking up the sword.

I wondered if it was something I couldn’t change.

Even though I changed many things.

The matter concerning Wi Seol-ah ultimately didn’t change.

No matter how much I struggled, was it bound to be like this?

Such thoughts crossed my mind.

‘Bullshit.’

As Gu Jeolyeop gave me a strange look while I was changing my thoughts.

I increased the weight I was suppressing.

“Kyak!”

There are countless things in the world that are unavoidable.

‘But I still have to change what I can.’

It’s too late to give up now.

‘There must be a reason I came back.’

The fact that I traveled back in time.

To dismiss it as merely a ‘miracle’ felt strange, as many things were twisted.

I had been feeling it recently.

The thought that perhaps I was sent back with some kind of intention.

‘…’

It would have been nice if it were just a fantasy.

But as always.

My bad premonitions never fail.

My life is filled with terrible luck.

“…Tsk.”

“Young Master… could you please get up soon…?”

“I’m not in the mood right now, so just be quiet.”

“Yes…”

The things I hoped wouldn’t change, changed.

While the things I wanted to change, didn’t.

‘This is making me fucking miserable.’

My life already has ridiculously high difficulty.

And yet, they keep pushing me without any reward.

‘What do you expect from me?’

Asking the heavens would yield no answer.

And asking others would surely get me labeled a lunatic.

So, as always, I can only seek the answer myself.

And the answer I eventually found was always just one.

Even if it doesn’t work out, the only option is to try.

For now.

‘It’s about Wi Seol-ah and Jang Seon-yeon.’

I have to struggle with the parts that bother me the most first.

The direction I’m looking is where Group 1 is.

‘It seems they haven’t gotten engaged yet.’

In my past life, Wi Seol-ah got engaged around the time she turned twenty.

It was also shortly after I became a demon.

So, it’s not too late to stop it.

The only issue, perhaps, is.

‘Whether there will be problems if I stop the engagement.’

What right do I have to stop that engagement?

And what kind of damage might Wi Seol-ah or I suffer if I did stop it?

‘For now, there isn’t any.’

There might be, but the ones that come to mind are all solvable issues.

Excluding those, I don’t think there’s much else.

Even knowing that, the hesitation stems from.

‘Why did the Sword Saint head towards the Jang family?’

In my past life, and even in this one.

I don’t know the reason why the Sword Saint specifically headed to the Jang family.

It’s said that the current Alliance Leader is from the Jang family, and the Sword Saint, being the previous Alliance Leader, sought refuge there.

That could be one reason, but

‘I suspect there’s something else.’

The reason the Sword Saint had to leave the Gu family and head to the Jang family.

I needed to find that out.

That’s the only way to ensure she doesn’t suffer any harm.

Only then will it be possible for me to kill Jang Seon-yeon without hesitation.

As I was thinking about that.

-We will now begin the second test, please prepare yourselves.

The voice of the instructor echoed from afar.

It seemed the not-so-short waiting period had finally ended.

I was a little disappointed because I still wanted to torment Gu Jeolyeop further.

Information about the second test was relayed,

And as soon as I heard it, I had to frown.

---

Returning to the present.

Seeing the woman taking a combat stance before my eyes, I had nothing to say.

The second test was a sparring match against an instructor.

I wondered why the content was so sloppy and frustrating.

Considering how long the waiting time was for something trivial.

It was highly likely that this test was hastily put together.

‘There must have been too many qualifiers.’

A likely reason came to mind.

Due to the excessive number of qualifiers,

It seemed they chose this method to filter the qualifiers once more.

‘It’s a method that only makes the instructors suffer, why go through this hassle?’

If it were me, I would have just judged them casually and failed the less capable ones.

But perhaps they didn’t want to be criticized as unfair, being a righteous sect.

And a sparring match against an instructor?

It probably wasn’t a standard like ‘you must win’.

If they had set such a standard, the higher-ups of the various factions and sects would have gotten furious.

Therefore, even if the standard was set somewhat low,

It shouldn’t be easy.

“I understand that part.”

“Yes.”

“But my opponent seems a bit strange.”

It’s fine, I can just do it.

But why is that person my opponent?

I looked at my opponent with great displeasure.

She is the most beloved figure among the common folk in the current Central Plains,

And the title of Sword Queen, passed down through generations.

The person who inherited it most ‘cleanly’.

The Plum Blossom Sword Queen, So Yi.

My opponent was her.

‘So, why exactly?’

The Sword Queen could also be an instructor, so it’s possible she’d appear in the test.

But according to the prior announcement, the Sword Queen wasn’t supposed to appear in this test.

“But how can you be standing before me?”

“You must have heard false rumors. I am also an instructor, so why would you say that?”

Hearing her speak as if she weren’t the Sword Queen.

My eyes narrowed involuntarily.

“…Are you not lying, putting the honor of Mount Hua on the line?”

As I asked with narrowed eyes,

I saw the Sword Queen’s shoulders tremble for a moment.

“…How could a mere martial artist like myself put the honor of Mount Hua on the line? That’s harsh.”

“You’re changing the subject?”

“…”

It’s a lie.

She really wasn’t supposed to be here.

It seemed the Sword Queen couldn’t bring herself to lie while putting the honor of Mount Hua on the line.

Hmm.

So, she said she wouldn’t appear, but then stood here to face me?

“Why?”

“…”

The Sword Queen offered no answer.

Judging by the way she avoided my gaze, she had no intention of answering.

She simply raised her sword.

As she did, the Sword Queen spoke to me.

“Gu Yangcheon of Group 2… I shall begin the test.”

“…It’s too late to be acting all dignified now.”

It meant she was telling me to enter.

It seemed the others had already started.

I thought it might be an easy one, but

‘If I take it easy, she won’t go easy on me.’

If passing ultimately depends on the instructor’s judgment,

Then the reason the Sword Queen is acting unreasonably and facing me is obvious.

She must mean that I shouldn’t take this lightly.

‘Hmm…’

What the Sword Queen is doing now is not a special move.

She’s simply extending the tip of her sword towards me.

Yet, the unwavering sword tip,

The gracefully gazing eyes,

And her calmly standing posture.

Despite the seemingly ordinary stance and gaze,

It feels exceptionally heavy.

This is likely because she is a martial artist who has reached the complete ‘Hwa Gyeong’ realm, which I suspect.

I’ve only encountered a handful of Hwa Gyeong martial artists so far.

Thinking back to the assassin from the Hwangbo family I recently faced,

‘She’s incomparable.’

Comparing her to that fool would be too much of a difference in level.

Moreover, while I could kill that guy by using demonic energy or by provoking his carelessness,

I wouldn’t be able to do that with the Sword Queen.

Just because someone is at the peak doesn’t mean they’re all the same, and it’s even more so for Hwa Gyeong.

Thinking about the countless levels that divide that realm would make it easier to understand,

But right now, I only need to focus on the Sword Queen before me.

‘Sword Queen….’

Sword Queen (劍后).

Her name alone is enough.

To receive such a title in this world.

It means she can be considered the best among the exceptional women swordsmen of this era.

Although she may seem less prominent now, working as an instructor.

That’s simply because of her choice.

Her path in martial arts hasn’t diminished.

“First, I have a question.”

“Speak.”

“Will you go easy on me?”

“…Hmm.”

The Sword Queen smiled at my question.

And then she said,

“I’ll see.”

‘Damn it.’

I was certain she had no intention of going easy.

After hearing the Sword Queen’s answer, I nodded.

And then.

Kung.

Stepping firmly on the ground, I immediately leaped forward, charging into the Sword Queen’s embrace.

Her surprised face caught my eye.

Without hesitation, I swung my fist, filled with energy.

Hwa-reuk!

In an instant, flames erupted around us, and the wind mixed with my energy swirled like a storm.

Within that,

Sarak.

Small plum blossom petals began to mix with the flames.

---

Kwadudeuk!

Behind the plains that formed a forest.

While the test for Group 1 continued.

Everyone turned their heads towards a distant, booming sound.

It was strange for dozens of people to stop their movements and look in one direction,

But the instructors who were conducting the test were no different.

Since they were all martial artists, their gazes weren’t just drawn by a loud noise.

The heat and mixed energy they felt pierced their martial instincts, making it impossible not to look.

Who could it be?

Who is emitting such intense killing intent that reaches this far?

The felt energy was so suffocatingly eerie.

“Keok keok…”

Those with lower cultivation levels were coughing repeatedly, struggling.

Because of that, the second test, which had just begun, was temporarily frozen.

It would be impossible to concentrate in the current situation.

And seeing the situation, Tang Soyeol had a somewhat excited expression.

“Why are you so excited?”

The question came from Peng Ah-hee, who was also participating in this entrance exam.

As a member of the Peng family bloodline, she couldn’t possibly avoid coming to the Divine Dragon Pavilion.

From her perspective, she didn’t want to come, as her older brother had committed more than one misdeed at the Divine Dragon Pavilion, making comparisons inevitable.

But knowing that the family’s position wouldn’t allow her to refuse,

She came with her lips firmly shut.

“Look at everyone’s expressions. How could they not be unhappy?”

“Why are you the only one happy about that?”

“How could I not be happy? I was so annoyed because everyone seemed to be looking down on us.”

Peng Ah-hee could only sigh at Tang Soyeol’s words.

She thought he was really enjoying himself.

Even so,

Peng Ah-hee couldn’t help but look in the direction where that sharp killing intent was flowing.

‘…Is this really coming from that kid?’

Judging by Tang Soyeol’s reaction,

This reaction must surely be coming from her ‘former’ fiancé.

‘It’s an unbelievable level.’

Even feeling the energy, she couldn’t believe it.

This is already…

‘Beyond the level of a late-stage disciple…’

It’s only been a few years.

The degenerate who used to curse at me with an evil-looking face while getting beaten by me.

To transform into a master, surpassing the late-stage disciples.

It’s only been a few years.

For martial artists, it’s a short time.

It’s barely enough time to overcome one realm,

Or even fully master a single martial technique.

Yet Gu Yangcheon had surpassed all of that and was heading somewhere else.

It must be a place I can’t even look up to yet.

‘It’s a bit unfair how he changes every time I see him.’

She thought, letting out a small laugh.

She didn’t regret the broken engagement, but

There was a slight sense of wistfulness.

If only he had been like this sooner.

Then maybe they wouldn’t have broken the engagement.

Of course, if his temper remained the same,

They would have broken the engagement regardless of talent.

But what if it was like this now?

‘Ugh.’

She dismissed those futile thoughts.

Peng Ah-hee asked Tang Soyeol, who was still excited.

“I know you’re happy, but where did that older sister go?”

“Huh? Which older sister… Ah, Bi-ah unni?”

Where did her current fiancé go?

Peng Ah-hee suddenly wondered about that.

“Yeah? I told her not to move around carelessly… Where did this unni go? She’ll get lost if she wanders alone…?”

“How big can this place be for her to get lost?”

“…Ah-hee, you don’t understand. That unni is something else.”

“…”

She thought Tang Soyeol was joking, but

His expression seemed genuinely worried.

No, no matter how bad someone’s sense of direction is,

Would they really get lost in a place with so many people?

Peng Ah-hee shook her head at Tang Soyeol.

And looked around.

The tests that were diligently being conducted had momentarily stopped.

Only focusing on the explosions that echoed relentlessly.

So it was unexpected.

‘I thought she hated this kind of attention.’

It was quite unexpected that Gu Yangcheon, whom I thought disliked attention,

Would do something that drew everyone’s attention like this.

It was as if she was trying to show someone.

‘Hmm?’

At that moment.

Peng Ah-hee’s gaze suddenly landed on someone.

Although his handsome face was eye-catching,

The reason Peng Ah-hee was looking at him wasn’t that.

‘That person…’

She knew him.

Of course, most of the people around were late-stage disciples from famous families or sects that Peng Ah-hee knew,

But this person was different for another reason.

‘Jang Seon-yeon.’

She remembered him by his name rather than his title.

That was because the title didn’t quite resonate with her.

This was the same for Gu Yangcheon, of course.

Peng Ah-hee expected Gu Yangcheon to be more like a fighting dog or a rabid dog than the True Dragon.

Conversely, she didn’t know why Jang Seon-yeon didn’t seem to fit the title of ‘True God’.

‘What is it?’

Peng Ah-hee wondered why her gaze lingered specifically on Jang Seon-yeon.

While everyone else was looking in the direction of the sound,

Jang Seon-yeon was no different.

But something was clearly different.

The reason her gaze lingered more than others.

What could it be?

It didn’t take long for her to realize the reason.

While countless people here felt admiration or surprise,

‘Why that person?’

Jang Seon-yeon’s eyes.

From Peng Ah-hee’s perspective, they were clearly filled with self-deprecation, inferiority,

And a sense of entitlement.

As the only son of the Alliance Leader.

Possessing a handsome appearance resembling the Fallen Sword, talent,

And being famous for his gentle disposition.

How could such a person wear such an expression?

Peng Ah-hee pondered this, but

It didn’t take long before.

Flick.

Jang Seon-yeon turned his head and headed somewhere, so his face could no longer be seen.

He seemed indifferent, having already passed the test.

And Peng Ah-hee, who had been secretly watching him.

“I feel uneasy…”

She felt an inexplicable sense of unease.